Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance Studio in Selma, AL
McConnell Twins Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of dance education since 1958, founded by identical twins Carole and Lynn McConnell in Montgomery, Alabama. With over 50 years of experience, we moved to our current location at 3966 Landline Road in Selma after operating on Broad Street for 37 years. Our studio continues to foster a passion for dance under the leadership of Lisa Hicks Sexton, who has over 40 years of teaching experience and trained with Dance Masters of America at Kent State University. We offer a wide range of classes, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and tumbling, catering to students from preschool through advanced levels. Our annual recital, held each May, showcases the talents of our dancers and creates lasting memories.The studios staff includes experienced instructors like Paige Draime, Demisha Stough, and Natalie Jones, who bring decades of expertise to their teaching. We prioritize personalized attention, ensuring each student develops technical skill, confidence, and a love for the art form. Our commitment to excellence has made us a trusted institution in Selma and the surrounding communities. We also provide opportunities for students to attend dance conventions and work with professional instructors. With flexible class schedules and a focus on community engagement, McConnell Twins Dance Studio remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dancers.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Dance
Jazz Instruction
Hip Hop Workshops
Tumbling Sessions
Pointe Training
Adult Tap
Preschool Dance
Secondary Dance
Recital Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of dance instruction experience from certified instructors.
- Our curriculum includes diverse styles like ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop.
- We host annual recitals and convention opportunities for student growth.
- Our staff includes former professional dancers and educators with specialized training.
- We provide personalized attention in a supportive, community-focused environment.
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program follows the Dance Masters of America syllabus, teaching foundational techniques to students of all ages. Classes emphasize posture, grace, and classical movements, preparing dancers for advanced levels like pointe work. With experienced instructors, we ensure technical precision and artistic expression in a supportive environment.
Tap Dance
Tap classes focus on rhythm, coordination, and musicality, offering instruction for beginners to advanced students. Our curriculum blends traditional and modern styles, fostering creativity and performance skills. Instructors with decades of experience guide students through intricate footwork and choreography in a lively setting.
Hip Hop Workshops
Hip hop sessions teach street dance techniques, including isolations, grooves, and choreography. Designed for all skill levels, these classes emphasize self-expression and confidence. Our instructors bring industry expertise to dynamic routines, ensuring students master both foundational and advanced hip hop styles.
Tumbling Sessions
Tumbling classes develop strength, flexibility, and acrobatic skills applicable to dance and other performance arts. Students learn cartwheels, handsprings, and advanced tricks in a safe, structured environment. Our certified instructors prioritize proper technique to enhance overall dance performance and physical coordination.
Recital Preparation
Annual recital preparation includes choreography, costume coordination, and stage rehearsals for a professional performance. Students gain confidence through live shows, showcasing their progress in front of audiences. Our team ensures a memorable experience with high production quality and personalized attention to detail.
People
Lisa Hicks Sexton
Owner & Artistic Director
Lisa Hicks Sexton has over 40 years of dance experience, teaching tap, ballet, and jazz. She studied with Dance Masters of America at Kent State University and has been leading McConnell Twins Dance Studio since 2006.
Paige Draime
Dance Instructor
Paige Draime teaches primary classes and has 14 years of instruction experience. She danced for 16 years and holds a Master's Degree in Gifted Education, balancing teaching and dance instruction.
Demisha Stough
Preschool Assistant
Demisha Stough, a former math educator, assists preschool classes with 32 years of teaching experience. She was a YMCA competition gymnast and local Distinguished Young Woman committee member.
Natalie Jones
Preschool Assistant
Natalie Jones assists preschool classes and is a former McConnell Twins dancer. She also works as a Mary Kay representative and brings personal experience as a parent of a current student.
Sherrer Durden
Secondary Instructor
Sherrer Durden teaches secondary classes with 16 years of dance experience. She has assisted for nine years and balances teaching with family life on a country property.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, tumbling, pointe, and lyrical classes for all ages and skill levels.
When does the dance season start?
Registration for the 2025-2026 season runs August 4th-8th, with classes starting afterward at our Selma location.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Our annual recital in May showcases student performances, and older students attend professional dance conventions.
What is your instructor experience?
Our staff includes instructors with 14-40+ years of experience, many trained by Dance Masters of America and former professional dancers.
Do you offer preschool classes?
Yes, we have Preschool 1 & 2 classes designed to introduce young children to dance fundamentals in a fun environment.
